Ford recalls thousands of vehicles over weld concerns

Ford recalls thousands of vehicles over weld concerns

May 24, 2017 admin

 

Dearborn, Mich.—May 24, 2017—In the first of two Ford recalls announced in one statement, the Michigan manufacturer declared that several vehicles would be part of a safety compliance effort for a welding issue. This action concerns three different Ford models, all produced for 2017, and none of the affected vehicles are part of a reported accident or injury because of this concern.

The Defect

The three models involved are the Ford Explorer, F-150 and Super Duty. Occupants could be at possible risk due to improperly welded driver seat back frame, the source said. Between the three of them, all of the 2,418 vehicles that make up this recall account for five different assembly plants from across the country, including locations in Michigan, Illinois and Kentucky.

Timeline of Events

  • Dec. 8, 2016 to Jan. 19, 2017: These dates cover the full production periods for all of the included vehicles.
  • May 24, 2017: Ford released the statement announcing this and the second recall on this day.

The Resolution

The Ford release contained few details about the response effort, but it did say that dealers would replace the seat back frames in the affected vehicles if needed to reduce the risk. The second of the two recalls mentioned in this one statement was for doorhandle covers, and was unrelated to this action, although both did partly concern F-150 models.

Last year saw Ford recall a different set of vehicles for welding concerns. According to Carscoops, that action targeted 2014 and 2015 Ford Explorer vehicles with “rear suspension toe links” that were possibly subject to fracture. That recall wasn’t as large, including only 75,364 vehicles, but the manufacturer did say that “one accident and one injury” were traced to this defect, at least at that time of publication.

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In May Jeep recalls, 2017 Compass could have axle faults

In May Jeep recalls, 2017 Compass could have axle faults

May 24, 2017 admin

 

Auburn Hills, Mich.—May 22, 2017—Structural issues have led to a new Jeep recall this month, with drivers at possible risk of their vehicles suddenly slowing or failing to park. According to CNet, the recall isn’t scheduled to begin until next month but could affect 1,178 Compass vehicles with the model year of 2017.

The Defect

The source said that these vehicles may not have axles in the correct place, potentially leading to transmission connection problems. Though it could manifest in different ways, the axle that fails to connect with the rest of the transmission could make it difficult to operate the vehicle normally, making basic functions involving the car difficult.

Timeline of Events

  • February 2017: The 2017 Jeep Compass first became available for sale, according to Forbes.
  • May 2017: Inventory availability increased, the source said, while the CNet piece appeared on May 22.
  • June 2017: CNet said this was when the recall itself would actually take place, sometime around June 23.

The Resolution

Before the fix even happens, owners can try engaging the parking brake, since this is not affected by the issue prompting recall. For a long term solution, dealers plan to replace any defective half-shafts in these vehicles to offset the risk of disengagement. The problem is specifically said to be with the “left front half-shaft,” CNet said. Cars.com confirmed that the recall won’t cost owners.

An earlier article from the same source mentioned a December recall launched for a different reason. Some 2016 Jeep Compass models were part of a larger recall that affected a total of 43,000 vehicles from the same year, including other brands, such as Dodge. In addition to stalling, these vehicles could have possibly experienced instrument cluster errors, due to camshaft or crankshaft connector issues.

adminIn May Jeep recalls, 2017 Compass could have axle faults

Mitsubishi recalls Outlander and Outlander Sport vehicles for door problems [Video]

May 24, 2017 admin

Cypress, Calif.—April 17, 2017—The door latches in more than 35,000  Mitsubishi vehicles could open unexpectedly, according to one recall. This recall will address these improperly produced latches, which are reportedly more dangerous in high temperatures.

All together the recall includes two 2016 models: the Mitsubishi Outlander and Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The earliest of these vehicles was produced on May 11, 2015, and Ansei Corporation is the listed supplier for these components. This company is based in Japan, which is also where the first report connected to this possible issue stemmed from, although no accidents were traced to this defect as of April 6.

The official Part 573 Safety Recall Report did not list an owner or dealer notification date. It did say that the response will urge owners to replace the faulty latches.

adminMitsubishi recalls Outlander and Outlander Sport vehicles for door problems [Video]
Volkswagen recalls vehicles for defective heat shield

Volkswagen recalls vehicles for defective heat shield

May 23, 2017 admin

 

Auburn Hills, Mich.—May 23, 2017—Improperly short heat shields in some Volkswagen Passat vehicles could leave some of these autos at risk of fire depending on the conditions on the right half shaft. The recall effort, is known as #17V309000 and includes 84,262 vehicles in the U.S. as well, as the official NHTSA report said.

The Defect

Normally, the heat shield in these affected vehicles would keep the right half-shaft grease boot cool and safe from possible flammability. Without the proper covering, grease could leak onto one of multiple possible heat sources and increase the risk of a fire starting. The report mentioned that the upper boost hoses in these vehicles could fail as well, triggering “a flashing glow plug light.”

Timeline of Events

  • April 11, 2011- July 25, 2014: These were the original production dates for the affected range of vehicles.
  • July 2016-Feb. 2017: The analysis of the problem began and continued during this time, eventually leading to the ultimate decision on whether or not the matter involved a defect.
  • May 2017: The recall announcement appeared after the manufacturer’s Product Safety Committee confirmed the defect. The date of the NHTSA Part 573 Safety Recall Report was May 11, eight days after Volkswagen examined the issue itself.

The Resolution

The official recall dates for owners and dealers is currently scheduled for sometime in July, the report said. At this time, the vehicle dealers will replace both the heat shield and possibly the boost hose if necessary.

The replacement boost hose, in particular, dates back to a part introduced in 2012, and the hose has a strengthened middle layer. July 14, 2012, was the listed date when the new boost hose was introduced. All models in that range beforehand were reportedly at higher risk, though the report said that 100 percent of the recalled population is estimated to have the defect.

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Chrysler recalls trucks with software error

Chrysler recalls trucks with software error

May 12, 2017 admin

Auburn Hills, Mich. – May 12, 2017 – Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has recalled more than 1.25 million trucks due to a serious software error, according to The New York Times. The recall affects Ram 1500 and 2500 pickups produced between 2013 and 2016, as well as Ram 3500 pickups assembled between 2014 and 2016. Ram pickup trucks are the company’s best-selling vehicles, accounting for roughly 25 percent of all of the company’s sales in the U.S.

More than 1 million of the affected trucks were sold in the U.S. Roughly 216,000 came from dealerships in Canada, while just over 21,000 originated from Mexican dealers.

The Defect
Models named in the recall are equipped with faulty software that switches off airbags and seatbelt tension assemblies, presenting serious risks to both drivers and passengers. In fact, multiple accidents involving Ram owners precipitated the recall, the Los Angeles Times reported. FCA has received reports of at least one fatality and two injuries directly linked the software error. In addition to this defect, FCA officials found that computer components could fail during accidents in which the undersides of the Ram trucks sustained impact.

Timeline of Events
FCA began investigating the issue in December 2015 following an owner lawsuit, The Times said. The plaintiff argued that both the air bags and seatbelts in his Ram truck had failed during a roll-over crash. The carmaker called for an official inquiry. Engineers eventually discovered that the vehicle was equipped with badly designed software that could malfunction in accidents involving underside impact. Specifically, such collisions disrupt normal CPU processing operations and generate errors that ultimately halt computerized air bag and seatbelt components. FCA has declined to say whether the problem is the result of internal or external production processes, according to SpeedLux.

The Solution
The vehicle manufacturer has yet release plans for addressing the issue but has advised owners to carefully monitor their pickups. In the event that the air bag and seatbelt systems fail during normal operation, warning lights on the dash illuminate. When this occurs, owners should turn off and restart their vehicles. FCA claims this action clears the error codes. In the meantime, FCA has agreed to review its production processes and mitigate the issue with the help of a third party, as well as the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The recall is scheduled to begin next month. Owners are encouraged to contact the NHTSA should they have any pressing concerns prior to the recall start date.

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Honda issues recall over defective certification labels

Honda issues recall over defective certification labels

May 11, 2017 admin

 

Torrance, Calif. – May 11, 2017 – American Honda Motor Company has recalled more than 1,400 sport utility vehicles with faulty certification labels, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign impacts Acura RDX and Honda CR-V models produced between April 3 and April 11, 2017. The automaker has yet to ascertain how many of the recalled vehicles contain these problematic markers.

The Defect
Affected models feature certification labels that can be altered using alcohol or other caustic solvents. Honda engineers traced the problem to improper labeling methods, which included the use of incompatible printing ribbons. While not safety hazards, these defective labels fail to comply with certification requirements established in section 567 of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. This portion of the regulatory document states that a certification label must be applied “in such a manner that it cannot be removed without destroying or defacing it.” Additionally, the regulations require labels to contain key information, including the vehicle identification number, manufacturer details and general specifications such as axle-weight rating.

Timeline of Events
On April 3, 2017, assembly personnel at an unnamed Honda production facility installed an incorrect printer ribbon in a certification labeling device. Days later, a crew member affixing labels to new vehicles noticed the mishap and performed a spot quality assurance check to test label strength. The employee was able to rub off the ink using alcohol. Then, on April 12, QA personnel performed a follow-up trial and confirmed that an incorrect printing ribbon had indeed been used. This lead to a more in-depth inquiry, which came to a close April 18. Honda officials confirmed that Acura RDX and Honda CR-V models with certification labels originating from the faulty device were non-compliant with FMVSS. The automaker then launched a voluntary recall campaign.

However, investigations continued. Despite the campaign initiation, QA teams had yet to understand the full scope of the problem. On May 11, after almost a month of review, Honda confirmed that the problem affected more than 1,400 vehicles, according to amended documentation filed with the NHTSA.

The Solution
Honda has ordered dealers to replace defective certification labels, free of charge. The company sent out owner notifications via mail May 22. Those in need of additional assistance are encouraged to contact the NHTSA.

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Mercedes recalls vehicles with faulty brakes

Mercedes recalls vehicles with faulty brakes

May 9, 2017 admin

 

Montvale, N.J. – May 9, 2017 – Mercedes-Benz USA has recalled more than 5,000 coupes equipped with faulty brakes, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects SLC 43 AMG, SLC 300, SLK 250 and SLK 350 models produced between March 19, 2015 and Feb. 3, 2017. The car maker estimates that 100 percent of these vehicles contain defective braking systems.

The Defect
The models mentioned in the recall are said to feature improperly installed electronic stability program software. Under normal conditions, ESP software helps drivers slow their vehicles, intervening automatically to initiate stoppage when a certain amount pressure is applied to the brake pedal. When drivers release the brake pedal, the system switches off. Overall, EPS software helps prevent increased wear on hydraulic components and eases overall operation.

However, the Mercedes vehicles mentioned above come with defective EPS solutions that fail to abort when the brake pedal is decompressed. This creates prolonged contact between the pad and the rotor and leads to overheating. When such a situation occurs, pressure builds and ultimately reduces drivability. This poses a serious safety risk to occupants. Owners have reported seeing smoke rise from wheel wells as a result of the issue. However, the defect does not reduce braking effectiveness or EPS operability.

No accidents or injuries have been linked to this software error.

Timeline of Events
Throughout 2016, Daimler AG, Mercedes’ parent company, received consistent reports of brake overheating. In April of that year, the company created an internal team to evaluate the reports and search for an underlying cause. Engineers tested braking hardware but found that it met all mechanical performance thresholds. The grouped moved on to field tests and saw the same results, leading them to rule out defective hardware as the root problem.

From August onward DAG engineers analyzed ancillary mechanical systems and vehicle software. In September, the internal team decided to design new EPS software to test against existing installations. By early 2017, the new program was complete and ready for testing. DAG initiated field trials and uncovered performance discrepancies between the two systems. In March engineers reviewed the EPS testing data and once again reviewed customer claims. A little more than one month later, DAG decided to launch a voluntary recall campaign.

The Solution
The car makers has ordered Mercedes-Benz dealers to update EPS software in affected vehicles. However, since the models covered in the recall retain their factory warranties, DAG will not be offering reimbursement for these repairs. Dealers received notification earlier this month. Owners with vehicles named in the recall should expect communications next month. Those who need immediate assistance prior to the campaign launch date can contact the NHTSA.

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Nissan recall electric model with defective air bags

Nissan recall electric model with defective air bags

May 4, 2017 admin

 

Franklin, Tenn. – May 4, 2017 – Nissan North American has recalled more than 28,000 vehicles equipped with defective air bags, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects Leaf hybrid-electric hatchbacks produced between Sept. 20, 2014 and Dec. 12, 2016, as well as Sentra sedans with production dates ranging from Sept. 25, 2014 to Sept. 22, 2016. It is unknown what percentage of these vehicles actually contain the problematic air bag assembly.

Just over 24,000 of the vehicles originated from dealers in the U.S. Roughly 2,600 were sold in unspecified foreign markets, while over 1,400 went to Canadian showrooms. Approximately 10 were shipped to Mexico.

The Defect
Vehicles named in this recall contain front passenger-side air bag assemblies with faulty components. Specifically, the inflator modules in these safety systems may hold defective coolant with diminished compression strength. As a result, the air bags may not inflate properly in the event of an accident, leaving occupants defenseless. Nissan has traced the coolant issue to two separate phenomena: oxidization due to ineffective storage methods and excessive wear from factory tooling practices. This defect obviously poses serious risk to owners. However, Nissan has not learned of any accidents or injuries connected to the faulty air bag inflator modules.

Timeline of Events
In October 2016, Nissan conducted safety tests and discovered that air bag assemblies in Leaf and Sentra models failed to fire properly. The automaker soon notified Japanese chemical firm Daicel Corporation, which supplied the coolant used in the fixtures. Daicel initiated an internal evaluation. Between November and December 2016, engineers for both companies reviewed the production workflows at the Daicel plant to determine the cause of the issue. The two teams also reached out to other suppliers involved in the production of the inflator modules, including Fuji and the Japanese vehicle design company Nihon Plast. The latter began internal testing.

Nihon Plast completed its evaluation in February 2017 and summoned Nissan officials to review the results. As this unfolded, the automaker launched field tests to pinpoint any accidents that could have been attributed to the malfunctioning air bar assembly. Nissan ultimately found none. In March, Nissan completed its review of the Nihon Plast product evaluation  and determined that a voluntary recall was necessary. The company launched the campaign April 6, 2017 but has since amended it twice – once April 28, 2017 and another time May 4, 2017.

The Solution
Nissan notified dealers April 27, 2017, requesting that they replace passenger-side air bags in affected models, free of charge, according to an internal communication submitted to the NHTSA. The car company has agreed to reimburse individuals with vehicles out of warranty for repairs. Models with active factory warranties should receive coverage for the recall work. Owners should expect to receive notification June 1, 2017. Those in need of more immediate assistance are encouraged to contact the NHTSA or the Nissan customer service department.

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Vaporizing fuel an issue in 2017 Subaru recall [Video]

May 3, 2017 admin ,

Cherry Hill, N.J.—April 20, 2017—A new Subaru recall will target more than thirty-three thousand vehicles for a fuel system risk. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report said that the recall impacted 2017 Subaru Impreza 4D and 5D vehicles.

In these autos, drivers could have trouble starting the engine or keeping it going. This could signify an internal problem processing winter fuel. If the engine vaporizes the fuel, it could cause pressure to drop.

Although the problem concerns the fuel itself, it actually stems from the software installed within the engine control unit. The fix therefore will require new software for this system. Production for these impacted vehicles only recently ended March fifteenth, and the report estimated that all of the suspected vehicles likely had the defect.

adminVaporizing fuel an issue in 2017 Subaru recall [Video]
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